In a moment of raw, unscripted fury, Queen Camilla launched a blistering attack on online sexual predators during a major London symposium on sexual violence. The Queen Consort, a long-standing campaigner on the issue, ditched her prepared speech to voice her profound disgust at the digital abuse plaguing women and girls.
Her powerful intervention came as she labelled the so-called 'Pervert's Charter' – a controversial legal loophole – a heinous tool for abusers. She condemned the way it allows the 'sickening' activities of predators to thrive in the shadows of the internet.
A Royal Rallying Cry for Action
The Queen's address at the 'Changing the Mindsets on Sexual Violence' event was a defining moment. She spoke with palpable anger, stating: "We need to make sure that the perpetrators are shunned; that they don't get away with it; that they are named." Her comments underscored a firm belief that society must collectively reject and expose those who commit such crimes.
She passionately argued that the devastating impact of this abuse creates a "life sentence" for victims, echoing the harrowing testimonies of survivors who shared their stories at the event.
Confronting the 'Heinous' Legal Loophole
Central to her condemnation was the focus on Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, dubbed the 'Pervert's Charter' by critics. This legislation allows defendants accused of sexual communication with a child to demand privacy by preventing their identity from being revealed until they are charged.
Camilla highlighted the absurdity and danger of this, pointing out it protects the abuser while doing little for the victim. Her stance aligns with campaigners and charities like the NSPCC who are fighting to have the law amended, arguing it is fundamentally unfit for purpose in the digital age.
A Unified Front Against Abuse
The symposium, attended by legal experts, policymakers, and charity leaders, served as a crucial platform for developing strategies to combat sexual violence. The Queen's powerful, off-the-cuff remarks galvanised the room, transforming the event from a discussion into a rallying cry for tangible change.
Her unwavering commitment to this cause marks a significant and impactful use of her platform, pushing a critical issue firmly back into the national spotlight and demanding justice for victims.
